Question Period Note: Earthquake in Afghanistan

An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 killed 920 people in Afghanistan early on Wednesday, disaster management officials said, with more than 600 injured and the toll expected to grow as information trickles

• We are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life as a result of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Canada offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families.
• Canada commends humanitarian partners for their quick mobilization to help with the humanitarian response.
• Canada remains deeply concerned about the continuing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and we will continue to do all that we can to support the Afghan people. To date in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the region.
• Canada continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to respond further according to needs and as appropriate.

The department is tracking an earthquake of a magnitude of 5.9, at a depth of 10 km that struck Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces on the border with Pakistan.

Humanitarian impact is expected to be significant, based on the magnitude, affected population and the underlying vulnerability. Early reports indicate at least 1,000 deaths and 1,500 injured, and numbers are expected to rise.

There are no reports of casualties or of significant damage in Pakistan.

The department is reaching out to humanitarian partners to better understand impact and response plans.

The ability of the Government of Canada to support the humanitarian response will be curtailed by the counter-terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code, which prevent the provision of assistance that could result in a direct or indirect benefit to the Taliban.

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